Despite U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s March 25, 2025, statement declaring that “any form of escalation in the South Caucasus is unacceptable,”1 Azerbaijani gunfire has persisted for the past eight days in Syunik, Armenia’s southern conference, spreading fear and terror among residents of Khoznavar and Khnatsakh villages.
Summary of Incident
Residents of the Syunik province in southern Armenia report a rise in shootings in recent days. Eyewitnesses claim the attacks intensify at night after the European Union observers depart the area. The gunfire has caused significant distress, especially among children, sparking widespread fear. The “Young People of Khoznavar” account has shared a video documenting the March 25 shootings.2
Escalation of Violence
Residents report that gunfire erupts at regular intervals throughout the night, with red tracer bullets streaking above their homes. In Khoznavar, agricultural work has been halted due to the danger. In Khnatsakh, the situation is described as “terrorizing,” with growing fears that residential homes may soon be targeted.
